News, observations and reader questions about the Oakland Raiders

February 29, 2008

I spoke with someone close to Tommy Kelly that said he was “humbled” by his new contract, not believing he was worth it.

That Kelly received the richest deal for a defensive tackle in league history (seven years, $50.5 million, $18.125 guaranteed) has GMs around the league baffled. And it has agents for other defensive tackles grinning at how much money their clients could earn.

But Kelly, I’m told, is determined not to be one of those players that gets paid and becomes lazy.

He doesn’t want that to be his legacy. If he passes that mindset on to Terdell Sands, the Raiders will be fine in the middle next season.

February 29, 2008

Addition: Safety Gibril Wilson
Comment: Might we see solid tackling from a Raider safety consistently for the first time since Rod Woodson?

This signing was more important than landing a receiver. The Raiders still need help at receiver, but Wilson should solidify the secondary by being the hitter the team hoped it found in Donovin Darius and B.J. Ward last summer.

Considering he signed for six years, $39 million with $16 million guaranteed, Wilson won’t be the latest safety unable to unseat Stuart Schweigert.

But I must ask is my man sporting a leather Member’s Only jacket? Just kidding, folks. But it does look like one.

Subtraction: OT Barry Sims
Comment: Sims fought of challenges from younger, players that were high draft picks, but always seemed to end up as the starting left tackle. But his recurring false starts were problematic. Logic would dictate the Raiders would be hot in pursuit of a new left tackle. But the zone-blocking scheme doesn’t emphasize spending a lot of money on the line. The Raiders could turn to second-year pro Mario Henderson or Mark Wilson, a practice squad player activated late last season. Sims The Raiders met with Kwame Harris and the former 49er could be an option if he signs with the Raiders.

Subtraction: WR Jerry Porter
Comment: It was time for Porter to move on. He was a Raider for the best of times and the worst of times. And there was no way the Raiders would pay him the $30 million ($10 million guaranteed) that he got from Jacksonville.

Subtraction: QB Josh McCown
Comment: He wanted a chance to start and he’ll get that in Miami. That leaves Andrew Walter as JaMarcus Russell’s backup.

February 29, 2008

This is the statement from Barry Sims' reps that was posted on Raiders.com

“Barry Sims. has been a proud member of The Oakland Raiders for the past nine seasons, during which time he played in 136 games, starting 119, the vast majority of which were at left tackle. In this salary cap era, it is often necessary for veteran players and clubs to part ways but Barry leaves the Raiders with sincere thanks to Al Davis and fondness for all of the players and coaches with whom he had the privilege of working.”

February 29, 2008

Answer: I had laptop issues in Indianapolis. So I couldn’t access questions for a while. But I’m back and able to answer questions the best I can.

Question: Do you think that the signing of Tommy Kelly means that the Raiders will not draft Dorsey or Ellis in the first round?
Johnny, Santa Clarita

Answer: That’s what I assume. In the last two seasons, the Raiders have signed two defensive tackles to deals totaling $67.5 million between Kelly and Terdell Sands. That doesn’t include the $4 million in salary owed to Gerard Warren.

For that much money the Raiders should be able to pass on Ellis and Dorsey. My assumption the Raiders would take a defensive tackle was based on Kelly returning as a defensive end.

If Jake Long is available, he should be the pick. If Long is gone, the Raiders would be wise to trade down and land someone like Cal’s DeSean Jackson or Texas’ Limas Sweed to help at receiver. If Chris Long falls to No. 4, he’d be an easy pick.

Question: Hey Jason - did you receive any calls from Kiffin about your blog from the combine?

Answer: Kiffin didn’t call me. I assume that was because I never wrote he was dancing. I was hanging with the writer from Atlanta at Ike and Jonesy’s that night and he might have caught Kiffin with a drink while doing a two-step.

I didn’t see it.

Question: Can you do many of us a favor and ask Davis or anyone else in high standing at the Raiders if they realize how they're making fans feel right now? We don't know if we're losing yet another coach (another restart!), players don't want to sign with the Raiders, and it overall makes our team seem like its being run in chaos. I know we have a dictator but Super Bowls are won by teams, not a single individual.

Thanks for your time and I plan to be a faithful reader of your blog.

Sil, San Jose

Answer: I could, but there’s only one person’s opinion that matters when it comes to the Raiders, and that’s Al Davis.

He has to be persuaded to see things differently.

The Raiders will probably land one of their big free agent targets (S Gibril Wilson is my guess) but will have to overpay to do that. No one is taking less money for a chance to play for a team that changes coaches seemingly every year. The Raiders aren't the Patriots.

I believe Davis knows how fans feel because I know it pains him greatly to see his team sit at the bottom of the standings every year. He’s just going to try to fix it how he sees fit.

Question: Hey Jason, great job covering the combine. In reference to one of your comments posted (last week) what specifically don't players like about Kiffin's offense? it seems to me that at least the offensive linemen and running backs should love it. The O line was allowed to stick to a running attack (finally) this year and didn't have to hold their pass blocks forever in an outdated system like 2006. And as for the running backs, Fargas in all likelihood is a very rich man right now because of this system. Is it a QB and receiver problem? Play calling?
Steve, Totowa, N.J.

Answer: The problem players had were some felt the offense was far too conservative. When Kiffin was hired, he promised an explosive offense. But the passing game was still bad. Kiffin’s penchant for criticizing players (the receivers, specifically) in the media didn’t go over well.

But I get the sense a lot of players still like Kiffin. They jut don’t want to see JaMarcus Russell throwing to tight ends and running backs for an entire game.

Question: You and Jerry McDonald are the only guys I trust for a straight story on my Raiders. Regarding Kiffin, it would be difficult for me to go about business as usual, Ryan, others, while your head coach is in a state of flux to say the least. Does it strike you as odd?

Why is the locker room split? What is wrong with the offense?

Is Kiffin over his head? From my point I thought he brought many positives this year which will outweigh the negatives but over time. Your take?

Dave, Chicago

Answer: Yes, this is an odd situation. But coaches on the staff are calm because they know who is in charge: Davis.

The locker room is splitting again in part because players on defense believe Kiffin blamed the defense for the Raiders’ 4-12 record as the season progressed without ever putting enough blame on the offense.

Kiffin said at the end of the season he thought the Raiders needed to run the ball well and stop the run to win.

The Raiders finished sixth in rushing, 31st against the run. It’s easy to see how defenders could be taken aback.

Kiffin did some good things. But flirtations with college jobs helped bring Davis’ wrath upon Kiffin. Things appear calm at the moment. If Kiffin makes it to the draft, I think he’ll be the coach in 2008.

Assuming Kiffin returns, he'll need to improve communication with the players. That's another area some players grumbled about.

February 28, 2008

*According to Foxsports.com, WR Jerry Porter is set to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. I figured Porter would jump to a playoff team that needed a receiver. Such a move makes sense.

*Fox Sports is also reporting DE Tyler Brayton will visit Carolina. Don’t shed tears all at once, Raider fans, over possibly losing Brayton, who provided us all with this highlight in 2006.

*Chicago free agent WR Bernard Berrian is set to visit the Vikings according to several reports. If the Raiders can’t land him, they could look at Arizona free agent WR Bryant Johnson. If they simply want speed, there’s New Orleans’ Devery Henderson. The Vikings are said to be interested in Bengals DE Justin Smith, too.

*The Raiders are still interested in re-signing Josh McCown, but he might visit a few teams first.

*Would the Raiders really sign OT Kwame Harris? If so, why?!?! Many Niner fans believe he is their version of Robert Gallery. My guess is he’s a good athlete and might allow the team to play Paul McQuistan at guard.

February 27, 2008

The Raiders need to be active. Receiver, safety and the offensive and defensive lines would be good places to start.

Most teams start by taking care of their own free agents. The Raiders have done that with running back Justin Fargas.

The team also put the exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, guaranteeing him almost $10 in 2008 and his return to the Raiders.

There are three other unrestricted free agents the Raiders are interested in bringing back, though deals might not get done before Friday.

DL Tommy Kelly – He was the Raiders’ best defensive lineman before tearing his ACL in Tennessee. Kelly is a player the Raiders have groomed, but might have to overpay to keep in a market that won’t be filled with versatile defensive linemen.

DE Chris Clemons – Tallied eight sacks and was a valuable special teams player. Clemons is a good fit for the defense and the coaching staff likes his attitude.

QB Josh McCown – If he’ still willing to return as JaMarcus Russell’s tutor, there’s a good chance there’s a job for him in Oakland.

February 25, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – My body clock hasn’t adjusted to the time change, and I’ll pay for it tomorrow in California when I’m too tired to stay up and watch Monday Night Raw.

The Combine will continue through Tuesday, but the media portion is done, except for televised coverage.

But here are some final thoughts from the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.

*The Lane Kiffin vs. Al Davis situation needs to be completely resolved. Multiple team executives remarked of how Kiffin has no role in free agency. Kiffin is involved interviewing and scouting players for the draft. Regardless, this is no way to run a team. More than one person I spoke with said they’d be shocked if Kiffin were Raiders coach in April or the NFL Draft.

*The Raiders were the butt of jokes by many around that wonder why the team appears so dysfunctional. Raider employees insist things are nearly as bad as reported by news outlets and that other teams have their share of drama. The difference is those teams don’t make their business public through anonymous sources. In fact, one person with knowledge of the situation said things have been pretty calm lately.

That's subject to change depending on how Davis feels.

The truth, as in most cases, is probably somewhere in the middle. Kiffin might be immature in the eyes of some, but if Davis is willing to play this game, he’s not much better.

*Darren McFadden may have his issues, but he’s no Lawrence Phillips. Don’t expect him to last long in the draft. If he falls to No. 4, the Raiders could pick up extra picks after having already traded a third and fifth round choice in this year’s draft in 2007. Seeing McFadden in Oakland is the dream of some, but between Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, the team likes its tailbacks.

*Adding more picks makes sense for the Raiders. If the team is wise it could land two to three starters on the first day of the draft. Someone like Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis would start instantly. Ellis is better suited to play nose guard more than Dorsey.

*At least one coach believes Warren Sapp can still play at a high level and feels he retired out of frustration with his situation with the Raiders.

*There are several safeties and cornerbacks that claim they love to tackle. The Raiders need to draft one of them, especially at safety.

*Folks are still puzzled by the Raiders making Nnamdi Asomugha their exclusive franchise player.

So if a team desperate to make a splash was willing to give the Raiders two first-round picks for Asomugha, the Raiders can’t even consider the deal.

February 24, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – For a team that won only four games in 2007, the Oakland Raiders are a hot topic at the NFL Combine.

Lane Kiffin understandably wants no part of the media.

There is talk he won’t be the Raiders coach by time the NFL Draft rolls around in April.

Here’s what I’ve gathered from my encounters at Nicky Blaine’s, Ike and Jonsey’s (nice name) in which Kiffin declined comment and in speaking with several people this weekend.

*Kiffin is involved with scouting and personnel meetings regarding the draft.

*The rumblings I heard from players being unhappy with Kiffin’s offense are true. The locker room Kiffin worked so hard to “fix” is split again.

*The turmoil talk has a lot of rookies telling their agents NOT to let them end up in Oakland.

*There’s a feeling among some that Kiffin was immature in his dealings with the team via his flirtations with Arkansas and other college jobs and he needs to grow up. Others believe the drama around the Raiders is the kind of stuff that happens with a lot of clubs. Along those lines, Kiffin and owner Al Davis clash because they have similar personalities.

*Kiffin has not been ostracized by the entire staff. He does have friends that work in Alameda.

*As of now things are fine, but with Davis in charge, that could change any moment.

February 24, 2008

He was out on the town after a day of scouting and interviewing players at the NFL Combine.

Depending on who is talking, Kiffin is either the embattled head coach or simply going about his business as head coach of the Oakland Raiders with no problems at all.

Naturally Kiffin didn’t want to discuss what’s gone on the last two months. But he was in good spirits, having a good time at a couple of downtown Indianapolis night spots and spending time with his father, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

There will be more to come on Kiffin later.

Other tidbits from the day in Indy:

A rival defensive line coach for a job well done with the Raiders’ maligned offensive line congratulated raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable.

That coach was Detroit’s Joe Cullen.

Cullen, in case you forgot, was arrested the night before the Raiders played Detroit in an exhibition game Aug. 24, 2006 when he was spotted in his SUV at a fast-food drive-thru window naked at the wheel.

This led to Detroit Jon Kitna’s Halloween costume for 2007.

*There’s been a lot of talk of character issues when it comes to Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.

He made mention of possible paternity issues when addressing the media and may have two kids on the way according to a team executive.

One woudl be due in July, the other would be due in August.

Guess that beats him getting into fights at nightclubs.

It’s almost 4 a.m. local time. Check back in a few hours. And if you’re up when this is posted this instead of out having a good time or sleep, you might be at the Combine, too.

February 24, 2008

He was out on the town after a day of scouting and interviewing players at the NFL Combine.

Depending on who is talking, Kiffin is either the embattled head coach or simply going about his business as head coach of the Oakland Raiders with no problems at all.

Naturally Kiffin didn’t want to discuss what’s gone on the last two months. But he was in good spirits, having a good time at a couple of downtown Indianapolis night spots and spending time with his father, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

There will be more to come on Kiffin later.

Other tidbits from the day in Indy:

A rival defensive line coach for a job well done with the Raiders’ maligned offensive line congratulated raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable.

That coach was Detroit’s Joe Cullen.

Cullen, in case you forgot, was arrested the night before the Raiders played Detroit in an exhibition game Aug. 24, 2006 when he was spotted in his SUV at a fast-food drive-thru window naked at the wheel.

This led to Detroit Jon Kitna’s Halloween costume for 2007.

*There’s been a lot of talk of character issues when it comes to Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.

He made mention of possible paternity issues when addressing the media and he apparently has two kids on the way.

One is due in July, the other in August.

Guess that beats him getting into fights at nightclubs.

It’s almost 4 a.m. local time. Check back in a few hours. And if you’re up when I post this instead of out having a good time or sleep, you might be at the Combine, too.

February 23, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – No Glenn Dorsey today. So thoughts from the LSU defensive tackle and former teammate of JaMarcus Russell will have to wait until tomorrow.

But two defensive linemen that could end up Raiders did speak today.

Chris Long, better known as Howie’s kid to Raider fans, addressed the media with the composure expected from a player that had a father in the spotlight as a player and television analyst his entire life.

Sedrick Ellis also spoke. The USC defensive tackle is the most likely of the top defensive players to be available when the Raiders pick fourth in the first round.

Here’s Long on what it would mean to play for the Raiders:

“It would mean the same as playing anywhere else, honestly. It would be an opportunity to play in the NFL. Obviously there's so much more to it there. I'm not afraid of any situation or any burden with the name. I've been dealing with this stuff my whole life. But obviously it will be taken to a new level in a place like that. It's pressure, but I tend to welcome any pressure with open arms.”

Long’s first memory of Al Davis was being a child hiding in his mother’s car while visiting Howie in training camp because families were prohibited from visiting:
“It was so long ago. I was young. I just got down in the car. I was a little kid. I was young enough to hide on the floor of a car, which means I was pretty young.”

On where he’d fit in a pro defense:

“Interestingly enough, people talk about what a transition it would be for me to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. But, let's not forget that I never played in a 4-3 in college either. I was a base defensive end in a 3-4. Either position would be a fresh start for me and an opportunity to learn and an opportunity for me to progress as a player.”

That he played end in a 3-4 means Long has plenty experience playing against the run. And the Raiders need help in that area.

Ellis would also help against the run. He’s strong with broad shoulders. At 6-foot, he’s able to play with good leverage. He played for the Raiders’ coaching staff at the Senior Bowl, so they know his talents well.

Ellis on where he fits on the defensive line:

“I can do either – the nose tackle, the 1 technique, or the 2 technique. I played both in college so I’m used to doing that kind of thing. Whatever a team needs me to play I’ll play.”

More on Ellis playing nose tackle:

“I’m pretty comfortable with that. Coach Carroll has implemented a 3-4 scheme in the last two years into our defense, which was mainly a 4-3. I’ve been playing a lot of ‘zero’ technique, playing the two-gap system, and I was actually pretty good at it. I didn’t know how I would fare at it but it turned out I was very good at it so I’m very comfortable.”

On his height being an advantage:

“A lot of people like taller tackles but I think my height is just great. You get these big 6-5 linemen and I can get up underneath them and uproot them out of what they’re trying to do. Great feet work, great hands and the leverage I think works to my advantage a lot.”

On does he need to add weight to play in the middle:

“I think I can do it at 309. At 309 I’m moving fast and very few of those guys who can keep up with me. I have no problem playing double teams, as you guys have seen in the Senior Bowl and often in my career at SC when I took on double teams. I never had a problem with it before so I don’t see why it should be a problem.”

Ellis would be a great addition at a spot the Raiders have ignored in the draft too long.

February 22, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – Since Lane Kiffin is still MIA (several Raider employees say he’s here, but no one has seen him) there’s still more with Rob Ryan to share along with other Combine tidbits.

*Ryan said, “It pissed me off” to see he was fired on television but said he was never told he was fired.

*Ryan would like to see Derrick Burgess bulk up a little at defensive end. Burgess’ run defense was underrated in his first two seasons in Oakland, but his production against the run fell off a bit in 2007.

*He said Gerard Warren was playing at a Pro Bowl level before his hamstring injury.

*Then there’s always the complex topic that is Michael Huff. His play looked solid, but others think he’s a bust, pretty harsh after two seasons. No decision has been made to move Huff to free safety yet.

Here’s Ryan on Huff:

“That position is tough. One of the toughest spots in our defense is strong safety. You have to be able to cover the best tight ends in football. We ask him to sit in the run against the off tackle. Those two things alone are tough enough. Then we ask him to be able to play high in sub safety. I think Michael’s done a good job at a very tough job. We wish he could make more plays, sure but you cover Gates and Gonzalez on a consistent basis. And remember before we got him they were catching 11 balls by halftime. Now they’re catching three a game. So he’s done a good job, no question and I’m sure he’ll be even better.”

Other Raider-related items and other Combine tidbits:

*The team is still trying to re-sign defensive linemen Tommy Kelly and Chris Clemons. Kelly could end up with a big payday because he’ll be on the open market and will garner interest.

*JaMarcus Russell is due back in Alameda in early March to get started on his workouts for 2008.

*NFL owners will almost certainly void the final two years of the CBA. That means 2009 would be the last year with a salary cap before an uncapped 2010 season.

Expect a labor standoff before the 2010 season if a new deal isn’t reached. The players won’t play with a cap again if they go into 2010 without one.

*Atlanta cornerback DeAngelo Hall is available for the right price in a trade and that had the media room buzzing.

February 22, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – The players available for interviews today are receivers, running backs and quarterbacks and they’ve been entering the room at a dizzying pace.

There were a lot of receivers early in the day. A few that could end up in the Bay Area caught my attention.

Oddly enough, none were over 6-feet tall. These three are all 5-9.

Dexter Jackson
A star in Appalachian State’s upset of Michigan; he could be someone’s Wes Welker. He played in a spread offense and is good in the open field and has speed.

Lavelle Hawkins
The Cal wideout has enough buzz that he could creep into the end of the first round after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. He could be available early in the second round for the Raiders. He said his quickness distinguishes him from his more known teammate, DeSean Jackson.

DeSean Jackson
He weighed only 169, but said he’s healthy and will workout this weekend. A good workout would mean he wouldn’t last past the middle of the first round.

Of the running backs I saw, Darren McFadden definitely looks the part of a star running back. He’s 6-2, which is tall for a tailback, but Adrian Peterson is tall, too.

I had no idea Michigan’s Mike Hart was so small. It’s easy to see why teams might be concerned with his durability.

The NFL is kicking us media folks out the room shortly so I’ll check back with more tidbits on the day later.

If St. Louis passes on Jake Long and he’s available at four, the Raiders should take him.

McFadden would be the best player available at four, unless the Raiders decide to take Sedrick Ellis to fill the need at defensive tackle, even if most pundits (and what do they know, right?) think that’s too high to pick Ellis.

But the Falcons could draft Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the Michael Vick experience over.

Then again, the Raiders could try to save some money and trade down.

But it’s only February and all this guessing can be migraine inducing.

February 21, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – There was a lot of talk about Spygate today at the NFL Combine.

Members of the NFL’s Competition Committee stepped to the podium this morning to talk about things like timeouts being called right before a late field goal.

Instead they were hit with questions about the New England Patriots and their taping of opposing teams’ defensive signals and alleged taping of the St. Louis Rams walkthrough before they played in the Super Bowl in 2002.

Spygate (by the way, who gave it that name?) won’t go away as Congress appears interested in looking into the situation.

The Competition Committee said the Patriots’ punishment, which included losing this year’s first-round pick, was harsh enough.

“We don’t anticipate the Patriots’ situation repeating itself because of the clear message that the commissioner sent to the organization and to the head coach,” said Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher, who is on the committee.
Here’s what Colts president Bill Polian said of the meeting Commissioner Roger Goodell on the situation:

The briefing was thorough.
It was detailed. The process at arriving at the discipline was explained to us.

That process was fair, detailed, efficient, and what was on the tapes was explained
to us and what was in the notes was explained to us. The reason that that
information was done away with was explained to us. From my perspective, that was
a thorough, fair, efficient process with lots of integrity.

Everyone involved believes it’s time to move on. And if the government wants to get involved, it has nothing to do with the Competition Committee.

*Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas was peppered with questions about his ability to be a standout pro at last year’s combine because the last highly-touted tackle from the Big Ten, the Raiders’ Robert Gallery, didn’t fare well.

Thomas played in the Pro Bowl this month. So I guess he made sure he wouldn’t be linked to Tony Mandarich.

No one had any questions about Gallery for Michigan’s Jake Long. Instead, he was asked about his ability to do well because of Thomas’ success.

“ He's a great player and represented his school in the Big Ten very well,” Long said of Thomas. “He had a great rookie season. I'm going to have to follow in his footsteps and represent for the Big Ten. He showed me and all the other rookies that you can come in and make a huge impact, have a great season. That's encouraging to me and to other players I'm sure.”

February 21, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Raiders not only franchised Nnamdi Asomugha today. They put the “exclusive” franchise tag on the cornerback.

Here’s what that means:

Clubs can designate an exclusive franchise player by offering the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of the end of the restricted free agent signing period, or a 20 percent increase over his 2007 salary, or the average of the top five salaries at his position as of the end of last season -- whichever of the three is greater. The offering club retains exclusive negotiating rights.

According to the NFL Network, that means Asomugha will make $9.8 million in 2008.

Asomugha can’t even talk to other teams. The team has until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal.

Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney was the only exclusive franchise player last year.

February 20, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – It’s nice and cold in these parts. I’ve settled in at my hotel, grabbed a delicious salad at Vito’s and enjoyed the Lakers beating the Suns again.

I’ve seen billboards advertising the NFL Combine, so it truly is a big deal locally that the NFL is in town, even if there are no games.

The NFL Combine’s media portion gets underway later today (it’s 2 a.m., local time) and assuming Lane Kiffin is available, there are a lot of questions to ask him.

1. Has the team held out on naming Nnamdi Asomugha it’s franchise player because a deal is close to being done? The Raiders have until 4 p.m. EST to do what we all expect them to do?
2. What’s up with Dominic Rhodes? Will the team renegotiate his contract or cut him.
3. When will the Raiders cut LaMont Jordan?

There’s plenty to go over with Kiffin this weekend. I’m sure he’ll feign ignorance to any reports of his inevitable departure as head coach. But I’d love it if Kiffin were open and honest about the situation as he’s been so many times this season.

And believe it or not, Kiffin does have a sense of humor, as I’m sure some of you have seen a couple of minutes into this clip:

Poor Andrew Walter. He went from quarterback of the future to butt of Kiffin’s jokes.

But Kiffin has nothing on this guy, who made me laugh in Oakland (and I even found a clip with no profanity).

*I haven’t seen much new on Fabian Washington’s arrest, except the detail that he was released on $2,000 bail.

I guess that’s something else to ask Kiffin about, even though I know he can say very little about it.

But who knows, Kiffin could go standup comic and make me laugh about something.

And no I don’t mean Washington’s situation.

*By the way, I’m having trouble accessing the questions portion of the blog, so send your questions while I’m out here to jejones@sacbee.com until I figure out what’s going on with my laptop.

This is the first public legal mater to come up under Lane Kiffin involving a player of note. After practice squad defensive end Bryant McNeal was discovered to have some problems with the law last summer (writing bad checks and such) he was cut.

Obviously, I don’t know the facts of the case. I haven’t called the Raiders yet, who probably just found out, too. And I have a plane to catch for the NFL Combine. Any updates from me will come after I arrive in Indy.

But I do know Commissioner Roger Goodell frowns on players being arrested and has no problem levying suspensions when players are convicted.

Fabian lost his starting job to Stanford Routt last season. And it won’t be easy to win the job back if he has sit out a game or two.

February 19, 2008

Allen, the Chiefs monster of a defensive end would have been a logical target for the Raidrers in free agency. I never mentioned him much, because I figured Kansas City would put the franchise tag on Allen.

Andrews is an offensive lineman and probably not even the best in his family (his brother Shane plays for the Eagles and is one of the league’s best). But the Bengals liked him enough to franchise him and not risk what they believe will be a dominant blocker.

I leave for the NFL Combine on Wednesday. If the Raiders haven’t franchised Nnamdi Asomugha by then, they definitely will by Thursday, 1 p.m PST, the deadline to do so.

Here’s what the designation will mean for Asomugha (courtesy of the NFL):

There are two types of franchise players, "exclusive" and "non-exclusive."
Clubs can designate an exclusive franchise player by offering the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of the end of the restricted free agent signing period, or a 20 percent increase over his 2007 salary, or the average of the top five salaries at his position as of the end of last season -- whichever of the three is greater. The offering club retains exclusive negotiating rights and other clubs cannot negotiate with exclusive franchise players.

A non-exclusive franchise player is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at his position in the 2007 season, or a 20 percent salary increase, whichever is greater. The offering club does not hold exclusive negotiating rights, and the player can negotiate with other clubs. The original club may match any offer to retain the player, or receive two first-round draft choices as compensation if it elects not to match. The signing period for non-exclusive franchise players is from Feb. 29 through July 15. Clubs have until July 15 to sign franchise players to a multi-year contract or extension; after this date the player may only sign a one-year tender for the next season.

There’s also the “transition player” designation that seems to be rarely used:

Clubs may designate a transition player by offering a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of 2007 at the player's position, or a 20 percent salary increase, whichever is greater. A transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match an offer sheet within seven days given to the player by another club. If the offering club does not match the offer sheet, it receives no compensation. Transition players can be signed from Feb. 29 to July 22.

If you’re wondering where the salary figures come from, here they are:

Defensive ends
Julius Peppers $12,437,500
Jason Taylor $9,519,625
Justin Smith $8,644,000
Jevon Kearse $7,063,890
Michael Strahan $6,728,285
Franchise: $8.879 million
Transition: $7.679 million
Comment: At least Taylor was named to the Pro Bowl. If Peppers regains the form that earned him that salary, watch out in 2008.

Running backs
LaDainian Tomlinson $7,066,666
Edgerrin James $7,000,000
Fred Taylor $6,600,000
Warrick Dunn $6,278,336
Deuce McAllister $5,745,000
Franchise: $6.538 million
Transition: $5.699 million
Comment: One position where the best player his also the highest paid.

Wide receivers
Terrell Owens $9,666,666
Marvin Harrison $8,400,000
Torry Holt $7,604,714
Chad Johnson $7,165,370
Roy Williams $6,403,334
Franchise: $7.848 million
Transition: $6.872 million
Comment: Randy Moss took a paycut to go to New England, or he would have been at the top of this list.

Tight ends
Todd Heap $4,900,000
Alge Crumpler $4,708,333
Tony Gonzalez $4,531,370
Jeremy Shockey $4,371,667
Odai Shiancoe $4,100,000
Franchise: $4.522 million
Transition: $3.733 million
Comment: I'm sure you're also wondering who is Odai Shiancoe? He plays for the Vikings and had career highs of 27 catches for 323 yards in 2007. He had a 79-yard catch against the Raiders, his career long.

February 14, 2008

This is the time of the year my inbox starts to fill up with various rankings of players leading up to the Draft.

Matt Barrows gave you one list of rankings . So as promised, here are rankings from Mike Mayock of the NFL Network.

He has two surprises that go against conventional thinking. He ranks Rashard Mendenhall ahead of Darren McFadden at running back.

(And yes, I still believe the Raiders do not need to spend their first-round pick on a running back).

Mayock also has Sedrick Ellis ahead of Glenn Dorsey.

(A position the Raiders could use some help at).

There are two offensive tackles in Mayock's top-10 (Jake Long, Ryan Claddy).

The positions I’m most interested in (because I assume the Raiders would be) are offensive tackle, defensive tackle, defensive end, wide receiver and safety.

By time I leave next week’s NFL Combine, a lot of these rankings are subject to change.

Before I give you Mayock’s rankings, here are his takes on what he probably figured would be two controversial rankings.

Mayock on Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall vs. Arkansas’ Darren McFadden:

“Mendenhall translates better to the NFL game. He’s 225 pounds and has great feet and tremendous burst and acceleration for a player of his size. My biggest concern with McFadden is that although he also has great burst and acceleration, I don’t think he has the lower body strength that you’re looking for in a first-round NFL back.”

Mayock on USC’s Sedrick Ellis vs. LSU’s Glenn Dorsey:

“They are both great football players and it’s a very difficult evaluation between the two as to who is better because they are both top-10 picks. What I like about Ellis is that he played nose tackle in a 3-4 defense at USC and that will appeal to 3-4 NFL teams. In addition, he will also appeal to the 4-3 teams because he has the quickness to play the “three technique.” Dorsey is a great football player and I give him credit for playing through injuries the past few years. However his durability is a concern.”
Now on to his rankings:

February 13, 2008

But it appears the Washington Redskins are interested in making a move for Johnson, which would prove to be disappointing for me and my desire to see the colorful receiver added to the Raiders if that were to happen.

Since Johnson as a Raider is a long shot, here are some more realistic options.

*Bernard Berrian
Good thing is he’s fast and the Raiders need a deep threat. He had a career-best 951 receiving yards in 2007 and figures to be the top receiver on the market assuming the Patriots put the franchise tag on Randy Moss. If the Raiders are serious about putting players around JaMarcus Russell, they need to pursue Berrian. In addition to his speed, Berrian has decent size (6-1, 185).

*Ernest Wilford
His numbers aren’t overly impressive, but I don’t think any Jacksonville receiver can boast big stats since the days of Mark Brunell, Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith. What Wilford brings is great size (6-4, 218) which the Raiders need. And signing Wilford wouldn’t break the bank. Lane Kiffin likes big receivers.

*Bryant Johnson
He’s another big receiver (6-3, 213) that cold help out. He’s been the third receiver in Arizona, but that’s no slight when you’re behind Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. If Berrian is unavailable, this Johnson would be solid alternative.

*Keary Colbert
His best season was his rookie year in 2004. Do I think the Raiders should sign him? No. But don’t underestimate Kiffin bringing him in. After all, Colbert did play for USC.

The key with these players is they are all under 30. The Raiders need not waste their time on older players like recently released Marty Booker. Adding Berrian and Wilford to Ronald Curry and Johnnie Lee Higgins would be a solid foundation.

****
By the way, the powers that be are looking for ways to make the blog cater to what the fans want. I vote for me to only write about the Lakers and my observations on the WWE.

But since that can't happen, feel free to pass along any suggestions to any message boards or fan sites I should be keeping up on that could be linked to the blog.

Also, I'm looking for a name for this page other than "Raiders Blog and Q&A" so hit me with those ideas, too.

I don't have any prizes to offer other than my thanks at this time.

All the ideas for names I have would probably sound like an old WWF interview segment, which would probably work here.

How about the Jones Zone? Yep, that was corny. But with a nice silver and black logo ... it might work.

February 10, 2008

If Al Davis still has a wandering eye (when it comes to head coaches) the Washington Redskins hiring Jim Zorn could eventually impact the Oakland Raiders.

That’s because Jim Fassel is still available.

It was assumed the former New York Giants coach would be the new Redskins coach. But he’s not, meaning there’s another coach on the market that Davis likes.

It appears Lane Kiffin isn’t going anywhere and there is no guarantee Fassel would want to work for Davis again (he was quarterbacks coach in 1995).

The Raiders have gone out of their way to prove Kiffin hasn’t been stripped of any authority (did you notice he interviewed the new strength and conditioning coach?) so I’m expecting to see Kiffin with the Raiders this year.

But when it comes to the Raiders I’ve learned to expect the unexpected.

February 8, 2008

First off, thanks to Jerred in Portland and Chris in Rocklin for helping me cover the other teams Chad Johnson has lobbied to play for.

I missed Carolina, Atlanta, Chicago and Seattle.

If Chad is going to force his way out of Cincy, he needs to land in Oakland.

He wouldn't be too far from Berkeley, where he wouldn't even be considered eccentric.

And those cities wouldn't appreciate Chad the way I know Raider fans would.

That leads to my first question.

Question: Why would you want Chad? He has turned into another Randy Moss. He is an ego-maniac, forget the team, it's all about him. The Raiders had one of those.....it didn't work out. Thanks.
Jimmy, Phoenix

Answer: Jimmy, my desire to start some form of the Bring Chad to Oakland Committee (BCOC) is purely selfish. I simply think it would be fun to cover Chad.

The Raiders could use some personality in the locker room and I know Chad wouldn’t let me down.

I’d love to see what kind of antics Chad would come up with after scoring a touchdown.

I’d have fun asking if he’d sent Pepto Bismol to Champ Bailey.

I know Chad gets penalties for celebrations. But if he can put up points for the Raiders, who have lacked an explosive offense for a long time, I’d have no problem watching SeaBass kickoff 15-yards deeper because Chad jumped in the Black Hole and danced.

But it’s unfair to compare him to Moss. No one ever accused Chad of quitting.

From what I gather, he feels like he was blamed for the Bengals problems (as if he played defense).

Adding Johnson would also give JaMarcus Russell an elite receiver. So when the BCOC crew gets started, please holler at me.

He’d have to convince John Madsen to give up No. 85. But Chad in any number, as long as the jersey is silver and black, is fine with me, even if he hasn't been on his best behavior lately.

Question: Don't you think Al Davis should take a page out of Robert Kraft's playbook? Aren't you only as good as the people you hire to run your business?
Mike, Westborough, Mass.

Answer: Before Raider fans mock Mike, it should be noted this question was sent before the Super Bowl.

Nevertheless, Davis would be wise to do as Kraft has done by hiring a good coach and putting good personnel people in place to run the Patriots.

The New England Patriots and New York Giants both reached the Super Bowl leaning largely on players drafted by the franchise.

Until the Raiders consistently find contributors in the latter rounds of the draft and not depend on free agents to save the team, they will be mired in mediocrity.

Question: Just a brief statement. Ray Guy was not a punter, he was a football player. He was pissed for a long time that the Raiders wouldn't let him play safety like he did in college, but his value as a field position weapon was too great. He could tackle as good as anybody on the team and never avoided contact, in fact, he went looking for it. I remember him more than once being penalized for late hits. The fact that he is not in the HOF reduces those that are simply because the best football players are not enshrined.
Patrick, Hollister

Answer: Well said. You don’t have to convince me, Patrick. I don’t have a Hall of Fame vote.

Question: Things have been maddingly quiet lately and I'm sick of this. Why can't the Raiders just come out and say that Kiffin is the coach and that is it? I mean the hiring of Lofton and the clarification about the interest in Saunders (per PFT) eases my mind a bit - not nearly as much as a statement from the Raiders would. Why the hell don't they speak up? Thanks
Jerred, Portland

Answer: That’s just not how the Raiders do business. It’s not as if reporters haven’t asked to speak to Kiffin on this (I have).

From the Raiders’ perspective, saying anything is to admit any of the reports were true.

Question: WHEN IS NNAMDI GETTING SIGNED???????? He is the best defensive player we have right now. He is probably the best or second best corner in the NFL. Especially playing man coverage. Which is the true test of a corners talents. Please find out for me, PLEASE!!!!!!
Chris, Sacramento

Answer: I’ve been following this since last training camp. There have been talks between Nnamdi’s agent and the Raiders about a long-term contract. If no deal is reached, the Raiders would likely place the franchise tag on Asomugha, guaranteeing him a one-year salary of more than $9 million ($9.465 million according to reports).

Expect Asomugha to be tagged by the end of the month to keep him off the free agent market if no deal is reached. Considering Nate Clements received a deal with about $22 million in guarantees, Asomugha figures to get somewhere in the range of $22-25 million guaranteed.

And yes, I will ask a fellow Cal Golden Bear to break me off a few C-notes for all the good publicity I’ve given him.

February 6, 2008

Covering the Raiders affords me the opportunity to watch a Raider that is arguably the best at his position.

That player would be Shane Lechler.

I forgave him for saying he would burn anything with "Cal" on it before the Bears knocked around Texas A&M in the 2006 Holiday Bowl because he's always great to deal with.

Lechler will play in the Pro Bowl this weekend. He had a great season that was aided by special teams coordinator Brian Schneider’s coaching.

Lechler’s 41.1 net average led the NFL with players like Jarrod Cooper, Isaiah Ekejiuba, Ricky Brown, Hiram Eugene and Jon Condo making a lot of tackles to help Lechler’s stats.

The next the Raiders need to take is elevating the rest of special teams to the standard Lechler has established.

It is unlikely Sebastian Janikowski will ever do anything to justify being a first-round pick. As seems to be the case with Jano every season, Janikowski was pretty good, except for a stretch early in the season.

But anything short of making every kick will draw the ire of fans.

The Raiders need to figure out how to be more productive in the return game. Fans should have Dec. 28, 2003 etched into their memories when it comes to return futility.

The day is best remembered as Bill Callahan’s last game as coach. But it’s also when Doug Gabriel (kickoff) and Phillip Buchanon (punt) both had return for scores.

The Raiders haven’t had a return for a score since.

This is another area where I think Lane Kiffin erred in not playing a rookie.

I had no problem with Kiffin opting for Chris Carr on kickoffs, but to not allow Johnnie Lee Higgins more opportunities was a mistake.

I know he fumbled, but he was a rookie and mistakes come with that. Higgins ball security needs improvement, which will come with more returns, not sitting behind Tim Dwight.

With their coverage teams solid and kicker and punter set, becoming consistent in returning punts and kickoffs is the last step for the Raider to establish themselves among the best special teams units in the NFL.

****
Chad, Chad, Chad

I would love for Chad Johnson to end up with the Raiders.

So far in his comical campaign to get out of Cincinnati, Johnson has mentioned the Raiders, Redskins, Dolphins and Patriots (am I missing anyone?) as places he’d like to play in 2008 without every saying "trade me."

I know most of you caught Ocho Cinco campaigning to join the Raiders with Kirk Morrison last week.

Johnson would add personality and give the Raiders a legitimate No. 1 receiver for JaMarcus Russell.

The Bengals insist there will be no Johnson trade. But I’m officially joining the bring Chad to Oakland Committee.

February 4, 2008

Giants rookie tight end Kevin Boss made one of the biggest catches of yesterday’s Super Bowl.

It was a 45-yard reception that set up a touchdown for the eventual Super Bowl Champions.

But the Raiders might have the best tight end from the 2007 NFL Draft. But the Raiders need to do more with Zach Miller to prove that.

He caught eight passes in the season finale to finish the season with 44 catches, a Raiders rookie record.

Miller was the team’s second-round pick and easily its most impressive rookie. It doesn’t look as if Miller will be another Doug Jolley or Teyo Johnson in Raiders lore.

I thought Miller would catch at least50 passes, but he spent too much time pass blocking because the offensive line needed help.

As he showed in the season finale, Miller is an accomplished route runner and can be effective controlling the middle of the field. Miller is also a decent run blocker.

If the offensive line can pass protect better, Miller shouldn’t have games with only one catch. He had four of those games as a rookie.

Miller’s backup, John Madsen is another solid player that could have been used better. As a former receiver, Madsen’s skills can be problematic for a defense when he and Miller are on the field together.

Madsen caught just eight passes after finishing with 11 receptions as a rookie. Only one of Madsen’s catches went beyond 20 yards.

For an offense that struggled in the passing game, Madsen could have stretched the middle of the field or caused problems by lining up as a receiver and using his size.

The Raiders other tight end was Tony Stewart, who played primarily on special teams. Fred Wakefield spent the season on injured reserve after he tore his ACL in training camp.

The Raiders might look to add another blocking tight end, but this is a position with good young players. Disrupting Miller and Madsen’s development would be a mistake.

It would also be a mistake to ignore them too much in the passing game in 2008.

February 2, 2008

I just got back from Berkeley (the women's team topped U$C in overtime) and read about the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008 on my cell phone on the way to the El Cerrito Del Norte BART Station to my car.

Congrats to those that got in. Redskins corner Darrell Green began his career when I was in the first grade and finished up after I was done with grad school. Art Monk was one of the best of his era, as was tackle Gary Zimmerman.

I'm a bit too young to remember Fred Dean and wasn't even born to see Emmitt Thomas and didn't see a lot of Andre Tippett.

But I know Raider fans are miffed as to why the best punter in NFL history, Ray Guy, still isn't in the HOF.

Being the best at one's position should be enough, but he's a punter. It's one of those contradictions among us in the media.

Many media members are quick to chide a punter for missing a tackle, but never give those that play the position the respect they deserve for the impact they can have on the game.

That's right. Us media folks can be hypocrites.

The biggest surprises were Cris Carter and Randall McDaniel. Warren Sapp once told me McDaniel was the toughest guard he'd ever played against from their days in the old NFC Central, then in practice as teammates.

Carter's play from 1993-00 should have been enough to get him in.

And why Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas gets no love is baffling.

I'll check in during the game tomorrow (I hear some of you actually look at blogs during games) and try to be as insightful as I can be watching at home.

February 1, 2008

I should have been done with position reviews a week or so ago, but I put them off because Raiders headquarters became the center of tabloid-like situations.

I like the Raiders linebackers. Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard figure to be a few Pro Bowls in the near future. Robert Thomas is talented and versatile.

The trio is athletic enough that reports Lane Kiffin wanted to switch to a Cover 2 scheme made sense because having three linebackers that can run is a most in that system.

Some would lament the linebackers and their work against the run because with the exception of Howard on the weakside, the other two lack the bulk of other backers, and led to them being pushed around.

There were times they weren't in the best of positions. Even with four linebacker sets, the Raiders couldn't slow most running games. But with better play up front, the linebackers will have no excuse not to rack up tackles.

Morrison is as smart as they come. Howard is a freakish athlete (remember him playing cornerback covering Braylon Edwards?). Thomas can do it all.

Depth is the biggest concern. The Raiders had Ricky Brown, Isaiah Ekejiuba, Sam Williams and Jon Alston in reserve, but all three are key special teams players with none of them in the mold of the starters

Ekejiuba is going to be a free agent and should be a top priority.

One thing the coaching staff could do to get more from the linebackers in the passing game is blitz. Morrison and Howard combined for 10 interceptions, but the linebacking unit only produced two sacks.

I know this goes against the philosophy of the Raiders (Al Davis) but the athleticism of the backers is wasted when they don't do more.

And I have a hard time Rob Ryan, who came from the aggressive Bill Belichick and was raised by the man that won a Super Bowl with the '85 Bears using the 46 defense, is against blitzing.

Since Ryan is going to be back, I'd like to see him to use some of the blitzes that were there to help against the run in the passing game, too.

About Raiders Blog and Q&A

Matt Kawahara was born in Sacramento and attended McClatchy High School and UC Berkeley, where he wrote for the independent student paper The Daily Californian. He graduated from Cal in 2010 and started at The Sacramento Bee as a summer intern. He joined The Bee's sports staff in fall 2011.